UNAIR NEWS – Every day, millions of internet users in Indonesia face the risk of cyberattacks, ranging from data breaches and account hacking to online scams. However, despite the increasing prevalence of these threats, the country continues to lag in digital security awareness and protection measures.

Dr. Maryamah, S.Kom., a lecturer at the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline (FTMM) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), highlighted several key vulnerabilities, including weak data protection regulations, low public awareness of cybersecurity, and the slow adoption of advanced security technologies. “Ordinary individuals are often the primary targets because they lack digital security awareness. The easier it is for someone to share their personal information online, the higher the likelihood they will fall victim,” she explained.

Low digital awareness

Maryamah referenced a 2022 survey conducted by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kominfo) in collaboration with Katadata Insight Center (KIC). The findings revealed that only 24.1% of Indonesian internet users could recognize emails containing malware or phishing attempts. More alarmingly, 32.3% did not know how to use antivirus applications, and only 34.3% understood how to report online abuse on social media platforms.

These statistics indicate a widespread lack of knowledge on how to protect oneself from digital threats. Phishing, for instance, remains one of the most common tactics used by hackers to steal victims’ data. In this scheme, cybercriminals impersonate legitimate institutions, such as banks or online marketplaces, to deceive individuals into revealing sensitive information.

“People need to be more cautious when sharing personal information online, use stronger passwords, and always verify sources before clicking on links or downloading files. These may seem like small precautions, but they play a crucial role in preventing cyberattacks,” she advised.

Weak regulations, bolder hackers

In addition to public awareness issues, weak regulatory enforcement has further exacerbated the situation. Although Indonesia has enacted the Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP), its implementation and oversight remain inadequate. “In many other countries, data breaches are taken very seriously, often resulting in severe penalties for those who fail to protect customer information,” Maryamah noted.

Indonesia has already experienced several significant data breaches, compromising millions of personal records. Leaked information has included customer data from e-commerce platforms, online lending applications, and telecommunications service providers—all of which have reportedly been traded on the dark web. “Stronger regulations and stricter penalties are needed to deter negligence and cybercrime,” she emphasized.

Author: Sintya Alfafa

Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto